Sri Valeeswarar Temple in TN: The abode of strength and blessings | Fusion - WeRIndia

Located in the heart of Mylapore, Chennai, on Valeeswarar Koil Street, the Sri Valeeswarar Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Opposite the Kaaraneeswarar Temple and Kolavizhi Amman Temple, this ancient temple holds immense spiritual and historical significance.

It is one of the Saptha Sthana Shiva temples of Mylapore, associated with worship by seven revered sages. Sage Gautama is believed to have worshipped here.

The temple derives its name from Vaali, the monkey king from the Ramayana, who performed intense penance at this spot.

He received a boon from Lord Shiva that granted him half the strength of any opponent he faced, making him invincible.

Hence, the temple is considered a Sathru Samhara Sthalam, a place where enemies are neutralised. An idol of Vaali in a worshipping posture is seen inside.

Another legend states that Lord Hanuman, under a curse, forgot his own strength.

To regain it, he worshipped Lord Shiva here as Sri Valeeswarar. Additionally, Rishi Govardana is believed to have originally installed the main Shiva Linga.

A unique feature is the presence of Pancha Lingams, which are said to have emerged from the earth naturally.

This spot is believed to hold a Siddha’s Jeeva Samadhi, making it ideal for meditation.

Estimated to be over 1300 years old, likely from the Chola period, the temple has an east-facing sanctum without a gopuram.

Sun rays fall directly on the deity during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May). The Goddess Periya Nayaki, though named ‘big’, has a surprisingly small idol in a separate shrine.

Numerous deities, including Ganesh, Murugan, Hanuman, Nataraja, Vishnu, Durga, Navagrahas, Bhairava, and others, are enshrined in the prakara.

A lizard carving in the southwest corner marks it as a Parihara Sthalam, believed to relieve curses.

Devotees visit for mental and physical strength, freedom from sins, relief from Shani dosha, and protection for children.

Women pray here for safe childbirth and family well-being. Worshipping Sri Valeeswarar is believed to grant courage, clarity, health, and ultimately, salvation.

Image Credit: பா.ஜம்புலிங்கம்i, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mylaporevaleesvarartemple.jpg